Doghouse Repair Month

Tag Archives: dog house

Did you know that July is officially Doghouse Repair Month? Does your pooch have his own little doggy pad in the yard? If so, this is a great time to give your Fido’s doghouse a good cleaning. Here, a Fort Collins, CO vet discusses doghouse repair.

Cleaning

Give Fido’s home a good scrubbing. If you keep bedding in Fido’s doghouse, give that a thorough cleaning as well. (Note: bedding in doghouses can attract fleas and pests, so you may just want to put down a carpet or mat.)

Inspection

Take a good look at your furry buddy’s outdoor home. Look for places where Fido may have tried to eat or chew his house. You’ll also want to check for large splinters and sharp parts, like nails or screws, that may be sticking out.

Setup

Fido’s doghouse should be in a shaded area, with the opening facing away from prevailing winds, at least in winter. Your canine companion may enjoy a breeze in summer, so you can move it seasonally if you like. The doghouse should be raised off the ground a bit. This will help keep it dry when it’s raining, and can keep critters out as well. If you want a door, try hanging thick strips of plastic from the opening.

Improvement

Want to really get that cute tail going? Add some fun features to your canine pal’s outdoor area. Your pooch may love a kiddie pool to splash around in on hot days. Fido may enjoy a sandbox, so he can bury treats and toys. Outdoor toys are also a hit with our furry friends, as are doggy decks. Another project is to change out the ground cover near the doghouse. Artificial turf is safe and pet friendly. Buffalo grass is another good choice.

Tips

While Fido may enjoy having an outdoor spot to hang out in when he’s in the yard, he will be safer, healthier, and happier living inside. Man’s Best Friend is part of the family, and will feel isolated, sad, and lonely if he spends all his time outdoors! Last but not least, when it’s time to replace your pup’s doghouse, pay close attention to the material. Choose something that offers great insulation. Be sure to avoid pressure-treated wood: it’s actually toxic to dogs.

Has a puppy recently joined your household? Congratulations! We love seeing baby dogs grow from adorable balls of fur into happy, healthy adult pooches. With the holidays approaching, this is a great time for you to get little Fido some of the things he will need. Here, a Fort Collins, CO vet lists some wonderful gift ideas for puppies.

Stocking

First and foremost, get Fido his own little stocking. Fill it with yummy treats; doggy dental care products; grooming supplies; and paw balm or wax. You can also include some clippers, to help you trim your furry buddy’s feet.

Bed

A doggy bed is a great gift for puppies! If your pooch is going to grow into a big dog, get him an orthopedic doggy bed. Smaller dogs may like bolstered beds, which have raised sides.

Doghouse

Do you have a yard? Consider getting Fido his own doghouse. Choose one that will keep your furry friend cool in summer and warm in winter.

Fun Playthings

Crate

Fido will likely need to be crated at some point, either during travel or at his vet’s or groomer’s, so it’s a good idea to get him used to his crate now. (Tip: choose a crate that will be the right size for Fido when he’s all grown up.)

Veterinary Care

In order to get your furry buddy started out on the right paw in life, you’ll need to make sure he gets proper veterinary care. Exams, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccines, and parasite control are all crucial to your four-legged pal’s health. Make Fido an appointment … and offer him a yummy snack in the meantime.